The 41-year-old actor - who plays powerful dwarf warrior Thorin Oakenshiel - enjoyed taking on the role of leader and taking control of the unruly gang of 13 dwarves during a physically demanding boot camp.

He explained: ''There was one improvisation that we did during our dwarf boot camp where we were taken outside and it was the first time that I actually found the confidence to command a crack unit of troops. We were crouching in trees and building campfires...

''It was brilliant to feel the aura amongst the dwarves. I think the training process we went through, the physical, really bonded us together and I think when we came to work on set it was pretty moving.''

Richard's revenge-consumed character Thorin is on a mission to reclaim his father's lost kingdom of Erabor from Smaug the dragon, but the actor admits he is actually extremely laid back as person so it was a challenge to embody his alter ego.

Speaking at the press conference for 'The Hobbit' at London's Claridge's Hotel, he told BANG Showbiz: ''He's got quite a lot to be angry about I think! For Thorin it's very much a now or never moment.

''One of the Nordic translations for Thorin comes from Thor and I feel he carries that thunder very much in his heart. As a person I'm quite calm and placid so it's nice to give vent to a little anger!''

Tonight at dinner a friend and I started arguing over who made a better warchief in World of Warcraft and whether or not one could argue Jaina is the true Alliance figurehead or King Axejaw and our other friend was just staring at us and it kind of hit us that THAT is probably why she's in a relationship and the two of us are permanently single.